These benefits are attracting transit agencies worldwide to test and evaluate fuel cell electric buses in their fleets. BC Transit, a provincial Crown Corporation responsible for 81 transit systems in 52 communities throughout British Columbia, Canada, is committed to identifying, evaluating and adopting new technologies that support the environment and improve public transit.

Following a trial of earlier generation fuel cell electric buses from 1998 to 2000, BC Transit is again leading the way to cleaner air with 20 fuel cell electric buses and the hydrogen to fuel them. With assistance from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, the buses will be showcased in the Resort Municipality of Whistler during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Following the Games, the buses will be placed in regular service at Whistler.

Benefits of Fuel Cell Electric Buses:

Improvement in air quality

Reduction in diesel fuel consumption

More pleasant riding experience for transit drivers and users due to their smooth ride

The 41’ buses from Winnipeg bus manufacturer New Flyer will feature a Dynetek compressed hydrogen fuel storage, an ISE hybrid electric drive, Valence lithium-phosphate batteries for energy storage, and a 150 kW fuel cell module provided by Ballard Power Systems. Air Liquide is supplying hydrogen to the buses, and has built a 1,000 kg hydrogen fuelling station in Whistler, BC.